By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year
June 4 – Australia hope that a post-World Cup mini-tournament next month featuring Blackburn Rovers, Glasgow Rangers, AEK Athens and Sydney FC will boost the country’s bid to host the 2018 or 2022 tournament.
Sydney, the Australian champions will open the six-match tournament against AEK at Sydney Football Stadium on July 25 with fixtures also played on July 28 and 31, which coincides with the visit of FIFA’s inspection team who will be travelling the world to evaluate the nine countries bidding to host the World Cup.
It is hoped to make the”Sydney Festival of Football” an annual event with the hope of attracting different major overseas clubs each year.
“If you look at the calendar of events, football will continue to be at the forefront of the public’s mind and the media landscape, and we’ll certainly use the festival as an opportunity to continue to promote our bid,” said Ben Buckley, the chief executive of Football Federation Australia (FFA).
“Importantly, we want to demonstrate to the inspection team, the depth and breadth of the quality of infrastructure Australia has in terms of our venues, accommodation, transportation and security arrangements.”
There will be six matches played as three double-headers, with Sydney FC to face Greek side Athens in the opener at the Sydney Football Stadium on July 25.
The other dates are July 28 and 31.
Blackburn is the English home of Socceroos duo Vince Grella and Brett Emerton, while Rangers are the reigning Scottish champions.
Sydney will also face Premier League side Everton in a friendly on July 10 as part of a strong pre-season programme which coach Vitezslav Lavicka hopes will educate his men ahead of their Asian Champions League campaign.
“From a football view we can play against the very top quality overseas clubs because we need to pick up the international club experience because we will play the Asian Champions League following the season,” he said.
“I like it because I know in Europe these are very exciting tournaments and I think this event here in Australia can help to lift football generally – it is a great idea and also as a part of the World Cup promotion.”
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